State Police Name Replacement For J. Paul Vance

A veteran state police sergeant has been named as a new spokesman following the departure of longtime state police Lt. J. Paul Vance, a knowledgeable source in the department said Friday.

Sgt. Shane E. Hassett will join the office following the transfer of Vance, who became the face of the state police nationally following the shootings of 20 children and six educators at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown in 2012.

Hassett will be working directly with Trooper First Class Kelly Grant, who has been in the public information office for the past five years, in a new configuration of the office. They will work under a team approach as the combined voice of the department - whereas Vance had been in virtual complete control of the communications office.

Vance's abrupt departure caused controversy within the state police and criticism from the union that represents captains and lieutenants. The union had called for Vance, 62, to be reinstated to his longtime position, but he has been reassigned to head the traffic division.

As a trooper since 1974, Vance is the longest-serving officer in the department.

Hassett, 46, joined the state police in 1990 and was promoted to sergeant 14 years ago. Currently, he is assigned to Troop C in Tolland, which is among various positions that he has held in nearly 25 years with the state police.

Sergeant Shane Hassett

Sergeant Shane Hassett was named the replacement for longtime state police spokesman J. Paul Vance.

Sergeant Shane Hassett was named the replacement for longtime state police spokesman J. Paul Vance.

Previously, he served at Troop E in Montville, Troop K in Colchester and as a special liaison to the state Department of Social Services.

Hassett graduated in 2005 from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of general studies degree.

Hassett will be part of a five-member communications team, along with Grant.

Scott DeVico, who is not a trooper, will remain as the public information officer for emergency management and homeland security, among other duties, within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Two Spanish-speaking officers will be joining the unit on an "as-needed'' basis but will still remain at their troops. They are Trooper Carlos Hernandez-Garcia of Troop C in Tolland and Trooper Joel Contreras of Troop G in Bridgeport. Both of those officers are among the newest in the department since joining the state police in 2013.

The longtime department spokesman stood in front of the cameras for days, poised...

When Connecticut reeled from the news that a madman had attacked and slaughtered children and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown on Dec. 14, 2012, State Police Lt. J. Paul Vance rose to the occasion.

The longtime department spokesman stood in front of the cameras for days, poised...

(Editorial)

The union representing the captains and lieutenants said Vance's transfer showed "a disrespect for state police commanders," according to an earlier statement from the union.

"We maintain that Lt. Vance has done his job well," a union spokesman said, "and we can't help but believe that [Commissioner Dora Schriro's] actions in this matter are reflective of her limited understanding of leadership in the public safety field in general and law enforcement specifically."

"He is in good health and has not requested this change in assignment at this time, and this is not the result of a disciplinary issue," the union said. "Additionally, he has been told that he has done an outstanding job in his position, which causes us to wonder why someone would be moved for doing a good job.''

In a recent interview, Colonel Brian F. Meraviglia, the highest-ranking trooper, said, "He had a good run. He's done a good job. He's served us well. It's a change of pace ... something fresh."

Meraviglia had ordered the transfer after speaking with Dora Schriro, commissioner of the department, which includes the state police.

"His ability to provide accurate information to the nation as well as the Newtown community during such a sad time helped keep a calm over the community and provided an air of trust and answers for so many that were seeking it on that fateful day," the union statement said.

"The importance of having a relationship with the media ensures that the essential and accurate information concerning events is clearly stated in a timely and accurate manner to the public, our customers, whom we are sworn to protect.''